Ears & Hearing: Overview

Earwax

Earwax is a naturally produced substance that protects the ear canal. It is a mixture of skin, sweat, hair, and debris (such as shampoo and dirt) held together with a fluid secreted by glands inside the ear canal (ceruminous gland

Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older

Ear problems may be caused by many different health problems. In children, ear pain is more likely to be a symptom of an inflammation, infection, or fluid buildup in the external or middle ear. However, ear pain at any age may be a sym

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. Depending on the cause, it can range from mild to severe and can be reversible, temporary, or permanent. Hearing loss is also known as hearing impairment, which includ

Ménière's Disease - Topic Overview

Ménière's (say "mun-YAIRZ") disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance. It causes sudden attacks of vertigo (a spinning sensation), tinnitus (a loud ringing in the ears), and a loss of hearin

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) - Topic Overview

Vertigo is the feeling that you are spinning or the world is spinning around you. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is caused by a problem in the inner ear. It usually causes brief vertigo spells that come and go.

Labyrinthitis - Topic Overview

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear. Located deep inside the inner ear, the labyrinth is made up of 3 semicircular canals that help control your balance. Inflammation of these canals, or labyrinthitis, can occur as a

Mountain Sickness, Acute